1/03/2010

Spectators and firemen help people who were injured after being hit by a Dakar rally truck during the first stage of Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Alpa Corral, Cordoba province, January 2, 2010. A female spectator was killed after a 4x4 vehicle taking part in the Dakar Rally rushed off the course and crashed into a group of fans on Saturday, medical sources said.

BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 2 -- A female spectator was killed after a 4x4 vehicle taking part in the Dakar Rally rushed off the course and crashed into a group of fans on Saturday, medical sources said.

The accident happened in the opening stage of the gruelling event between Buenos Aires and Cordoba, Argentina.

The accident was caused by a 4x4 vehicle driven by German-Swisspair Mirco Schultis and Ulrich Leardi, resulting in a death adn aslo a number of hurts.

"Competitor number 418 collided with a group of spectators at the 75km mark of the special stage outside the public zone (a area reserved for spectators)," said a statement released by the organizers prior to the death confirmation.

The Dakar Rally, which was switched to South America last year because of increasing security concerns in its traditional African home, is widely-regarded as one of the most dangerous motor sports events in the world.

In the 2009 race, French motorcyclist Pascal Terry was killed while racing in the fourth stage.

More than 50 fatalities occured in the history of Dakar Rally, most of the victims are competitors.

Spectators and firemen help people who were injured after being hit by a Dakar rally truck during the first stage of Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Alpa Corral, Cordoba province, January 2, 2010.

Spectators and firemen help people who were injured after being hit by a Dakar rally truck during the first stage of Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Alpa Corral, Cordoba province, January 2, 2010.(Reuters)